Comparison Husqvarna GT48DXLS Compared to John Deere

[tradosaurus]

I have a engineer friend who worked for Husqvarna. I also did research last year on new ZT mowers. I settled with a Toro commercial size ZT. I would buy a John Deere before I bought a Husqvarna.

 

[Rock Crawler]

I have a engineer friend who worked for Husqvarna. I also did research last year on new ZT mowers. I settled with a Toro commercial size ZT. I would buy a John Deere before I bought a Husqvarna.

I'd buy a Deere as well if they had anything built with similar quality parts at a price point anywhere close to this. That sadly, does not exist.

 

[s219]

I'd buy a Deere as well if they had anything built with similar quality parts at a price point anywhere close to this. That sadly, does not exist.

The issue with Deere is that you need to step into an X500 to get some of the same features (like locking diff) and that is a big jump in price and probably overkill for just mowing. Everything else about the X300 series is comparable or better but they don't have the transmission/diff options many folks are looking for. At $3500 you are into X380 range when there is a rebate, but still no locking diff.

 

[Rock Crawler]

It's not the locking diff, it's the K66 that I'm paying for. Anything less and the transmission fails on my hills. I've played the game with the lesser Hydrostat transmissions that last 3 to 4 years and are dead. If JD is not using a G730 or K66, it's not an option for me.

 

[plowhog]

I have a low education friend who cannot read or write. But he told me a Deere X380 mower is $4,500 "pay sticker no dicker" and ** $1,200 more ** if you want the 7 bushel bagger. Total $5,700.

I bought a Husqvarna GT48DXLS for $3,000, and a 44 bushel Cyclone Rake Commercial PRO leaf vacuum for $1,700. Total $4,700. $1,000 less. Substantially more capable.

In the past year of use, the electric differential lock on the Husqvarna has been a valuable feature on wet lawns or uneven terrain-- especially towing a near full 44 bushel bagger. That option doesn't exist on the X380. Other than that they are virtually identical engine and transaxle.

 

[JMBrad]

Husqvarna is shipping out the very first run of the TS354XD tractors with the Kawasaki engine and K66 locking transmission this past week. I'm being told that I can buy one some time this coming week for $3,499+ tax.

Brought it home Monday, total cost with tax, $2755.25. After sitting on the TS models, I'm glad I found a GT48DXLS. I actually like the seat better than the high back. it fit me better. The high back seats don't have any lumbar support. The GT seat hit me just right.

Finally got to use it last night. What used to take me over an hour with a 42" only took me 45 mins with the GT. Not just a bigger deck, but mows faster too.

Now I need to find something to maintain my gravel drive with. I like the idea of the DR Power Grader, but not sure it's well executed. I think ABI's Gravel Grader is a better unit, but I'm sure it's expensive. The DR is on sale for 599.00 right now. ABI doesn't advertise pricing.

 

[man00]

The GT48DXLS out weights the X380 if it's built cheaper where does all the weight come from?

 

[Johnkn]

I have a 1.5 year old JD x380 with bagger, the POS power flow blower, etc. and absolutely hate it. Paid $5400 out the door, I have a friend who is a salesman there, not sure if my deal was anything special. The deck won't stay level and it leaves cut lines all over the lawn, it almost leaves as much grass on the lawn as it picks up, feels as though it has no suction and leaves the grass matted looking, and generally will not even pick up pencil-size twigs, what a joke. Every time I use it I feel like I would like to pour 5 gallons of gas on it and just burn it to the ground. In contrast my last tractor a Sears,Husqvarna lasted 15 years and was the best tractor I've ever owned. With the bagger and high lift blades it left nothing behind but a perfect, clean cut. I would love to hear from anyone with a new GT48 or TS348 with bagger on how it cuts and vacuums the lawn. I would sell this JD tomorrow if I thought the H was better and didn't leave twigs, grass and leaves behind.

 

[crazyal]

I have a 1.5 year old JD x380 with bagger, the POS power flow blower, etc. and absolutely hate it. Paid $5400 out the door, I have a friend who is a salesman there, not sure if my deal was anything special. The deck won't stay level and it leaves cut lines all over the lawn, it almost leaves as much grass on the lawn as it picks up, feels as though it has no suction and leaves the grass matted looking, and generally will not even pick up pencil-size twigs, what a joke. Every time I use it I feel like I would like to pour 5 gallons of gas on it and just burn it to the ground. In contrast my last tractor a Sears,Husqvarna lasted 15 years and was the best tractor I've ever owned. With the bagger and high lift blades it left nothing behind but a perfect, clean cut. I would love to hear from anyone with a new GT48 or TS348 with bagger on how it cuts and vacuums the lawn. I would sell this JD tomorrow if I thought the H was better and didn't leave twigs, grass and leaves behind.

Why would you put up with it? Bring it back to the dealer and make them fix it. You paid a lot of money and if you are not getting the dealer you bought it from to fix it right then find a different dealer. If you haven't brought it to them then it's all on you. This has nothing to do with it being a Deere, I would say the same thing about any brand.

 

[Johnkn]

LOL, because at 63 I'm old enough to know exactly how this will play out.

Take the tractor back to them, sits there for 2-3 weeks, I finally get the report back and 'we've had everyone look at it, everything is up to spec', mean time I have to rent something to mow the lawn or hope (lol) they will provide a loaner. I bring it home, same poor cutting/bagging quality, I take it back, same response, Ad nauseam. For a $100+k item I would go through those motions, for a $5k item (to me) its simply not worth the frustration, aggravation, and elevated blood pressure.

IMHO, that belt driven POS device is part of the problem, I believe it actually inhibits flow most of the time, the blades throw the clippings faster than the impellor turns.. I never had that POS on my last tractor and it usually was just fine, but if I cut the grass when wet it could clog a few times, but that was expected and it was on me..

Been there when trying to buy a new Sears tractor to replace my previous Sears (H) tractor 2 years ago, before throwing in the towel and buying this JD. You would LOVE to know that story.

And like a few of the guys here, I don't care how much research we do as consumers, how we believe we doing everything right and are purchasing the exact right tool for the job, make modifications that we believe will help our particular application based on everything we've learned in life, it does not always turn out as planned.

I would LOVE to know how the H tractors with baggers really perform. I've looked at most of the offerings, Kubota, CC, JD, H, etc. I'm just looking for a lawn cutting/bagging tool that performs.